Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has taken possession of the first three-zone A330-200 aircraft, bringing to 14 the number of new aircraft the airline has introduced to its fleet this year.
The new three-zone A330-200 includes Etihad's luxurious Diamond Zone facilities, and will become operational from Tuesday 28 November when it will start flying to major European destinations including London and Frankfurt.
"We are delighted with the addition of the first three zone A330-200 aircraft to Etihad's fleet, making it one of the youngest fleets in the world," said James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.
"Travelling in Diamond Zone represents the very best the airline industry has to offer Guests in terms of a luxurious and comfortable flight. At Etihad Airways, we are committed to providing our Guests with an unforgettable travelling experience and Diamond Zone represents the pinnacle of that commitment."
The Diamond Zone offers unparalleled levels of comfort and luxury featuring revolutionary seats which rotate 180 degrees for business meetings or a relaxing dinner amongst friends.
Each suite is designed for optimum privacy, guaranteeing maximum space and easy aisle access.
A wealth of facilities greet the Diamond Zone Guest including a coatroom, a mini-bar, a fold-and-swivel meal table, an integrated personal mirror, a magazine rack, a reading light and a desk lamp.
The new three-zone A330-200 departed from Toulouse in France, last Friday arriving in Abu Dhabi the following day.
The aircraft has a total of 200 seats, consisting of 10 in Diamond Zone, 26 in Pearl Zone and 164 in Coral Zone.
Diamond and Pearl Zone Guests also enjoy an exclusive chauffeur-drive service depending upon destination and a quick and easy check-in procedure.
In Pearl Zone, each self-contained seat provides Guests with a 180 degree, fully flat bed and direct aisle access allowing Guests to move without disturbing other Guests.
The self-contained seats are also equipped with a 15" LCD monitor, the latest Audio-Video-On-Demand (AVOD) and revolutionary mood lighting enhancing the overall Guest experience.
In Coral Zone, Guests enjoy a spacious seat with up to 32" seat pitch, 10.4" seat back LCD monitors and the same luxuries as Pearl zone with AVOD, mood lighting and classic cuisine.
The A330-200 aircraft provides wide-spread benefits to Etihad Crystal Cargo with its greater cargo capability and lower maintenance costs.
The A330-200 has the ability to carry 15 tons of cargo over medium-capacity routes.
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world's leading new airline and currently offers flights for Guests and cargo to 47 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo - www.crystalcargo.ae - offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad's network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options in 82 destinations including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
Etihad Airways has been awarded the titles of the World's Leading New Airline in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the World's Leading Flat-Bed Seat in 2006 by the World Travel Awards.
Etihad has also been voted the Airline of the Year in the Middle East by the 2006 Pax International Magazine Readership Awards, for its outstanding food and service.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com.
© Press Release 2006
